Environment News

Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem - Microplastic Contamination

April 28 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 83 0

A recent study has reported high microplastic contamination in fish and shellfish in the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem.
Microplastic levels were highest during the monsoon season at about 45% due to heavy runoff carrying plastic waste into the area.
Fish such as Rock Mullet and Pearl Spot, and shellfish like blue swimming crab and mud crab showed high levels of microplastic ingestion.
About 32% of particles were very small, less than 1 mm, mainly coloured fibres such as blue and red, made of common plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene and PET.
Mangrove roots and sediments trap these plastics, causing accumulation and entry into the food chain, which creates ecological risks.